All About Notrumps [Marston] - ACOL edition

Unlike suit bids, all notrump calls limit the hand within two or three points which simplifies the responder's task of deciding whether to go to game, possibly slam. You cannot get ahead until you understand this structure.

Playing in notrumps is also satisfying. It is usually a race between the declarer and the defenders to set up tricks. Making the contract means winning the race. Good play and defence in notrumps calls for an understanding of the different ways that you can take tricks and an awareness of timing. but many players don't have these skills.

How often have you heard the desperate gasp: 'I hate playing notrumps'? For these players, notrumps is a time of tension instead of the rewarding adventure that it should be. This books aims to put all that right. You will learn about the structure of notrump bidding and the essential priciples of notrump play. After reading this book, you will know when to bid notrumps. What's more, you will relish the oppotunity to do so.

Chapter one deals with notrump opening bids; chapter two covers responding to notrump bids on balanced hands; chapter three, responding on unbalanced hands; chapter four explains when a notrump bid is a description of the hand and when it's a choice of contract, an important difference that causes much confusion; and chapter five deals with the Stayman convention. Each chapter has two card play tips: one for the declarer and another for the defenders. These are then illustrated in the four play hands at the end of each chapter.